Fernandez arrived at Newcastle United at the start of last month from UE Cornella.
Newcastle United coach Peter Beardsley
New Newcastle United signing Victor Fernandez still has a lot to learn, academy coach Peter Beardsley has told the Shields Gazette.
Fernandez arrived on Tyneside from Spanish side UE Cornella at the start of February and has already caught the eye for Newcastle’s Under-23s – scoring one goal and creating another two against Bristol City shortly after signing.
Beardsley, though, is keen to err on the side of caution where the Argentine is concerned.
“He has a lot to learn,” the former Magpies player turned coach told the Shields Gazette. “He is a good kid and I don’t want to be negative.
“The more he comes inside he will get tackled. Get one on one and beat your man and get the cross in. The end result is all that matters.
“We have had millions of players in the world who dribble, dribble, dribble. Wingers are the most subbed player in the world – 99 per cent of the time in games wingers are subbed. They have to have an impact on the game. He is a lovely kid but he has to have an impact on the game.”
In an interview with the Shields Gazette last month, Fernandez spoke of the obstacles he is having to overcome since swapping Spanish football for English, listing an increase in physicality, a faster pace and heavier pitches, which cause him to tire easier.
On the plus side, the 18-year-old has plenty of Spanish speaking colleagues to help him settle at St James’ Park – such as teammates Ayoze Perez and Jesus Gamez, manager Rafa Benitez and several members of the 56-year-old’s backroom team.
How do you see Fernandez’s future at Newcastle United?
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez
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